Chlamydia antigens and corresponding DNA fragments and uses thereof

Abstract

The present invention provides a method of nucleic acid, including DNA, immunization of a host, including humans, against disease caused by infection by a strain of Chlamydia, specifically C. pneumoniae, employing a vector, containing a nucleotide sequence encoding a CPN100605 polypeptide of a strain of Chlamydia pneumoniae and a promoter to effect expression of the CPN100605 polypeptide in the host. Modifications are possible within the scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. An isolated polypeptide from a strain of Chiamydia that has at least 90% identity to SEQ ID NO:4, wherein said isolated polypeptide, when administered in an immunogenically-effective amount to a mammal, induces an immune response by said mammal against said strain of Chiamydia. 
     
     
       2. The polypeptide of  claim 1 , wherein said polypeptide has the sequence of SEQ ID NO:2. 
     
     
       3. A polypeptide comprising the polypeptide of  claim 1  linked to a fusion polypeptide. 
     
     
       4. The polypeptide of  claim 3 , wherein the fusion polypeptide is a signal peptide. 
     
     
       5. The polypeptide of  claim 3 , wherein the fusion polypeptide comprises a heterologous polypeptide having adjuvant activity.